Give new hires more than a tour

When you add employees to your team, go beyond introducing them around the office and
showing them where the break room and bathrooms are located. Take a few minutes to
answer the questions that hover in the minds of new hires:

• What are the priorities? Share your goals and vision for your department—or the organization—and explain how they fit into the bigger picture.

• What should I do? Be clear in your expectations. Explain your performance standards and
how they will be measured. If appropriate, provide examples of what you consider to be
outstanding performance.
• How should I do it? Explain your management philosophy and how your department
works. Does your department rely on teamwork or on individual efforts? Do you want to
know as soon as a problem arises, or do you expect people to work things out for themselves?
Now is the time to share this type of information.